I'm thinking about being bold during a 3h20m connect in Tokyo and trying to clear passport control and get a passport stamp, then reenter security and proceed to the other terminal. Is there enough time to do that?

Hai! BP and carry on bags in hand no worries.

------------------
UNITED WILL STAND

What about with a 90 min connect?

Japan has tough entry laws for livestock, which may cause some delay http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif


If you mean 90 minutes from your inbound's arrival time to the outbound's departure, that would be cutting it close, especially if transferring between terminals 1 and 2 landside, as the landside shuttle bus runs at 10-15 min intervals.

monahos, http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/thumbsup.gif

------------------
UNITED WILL STAND

There are just buses? No routes via walking?

The two terminals in Narita are not adjacent US-style buildings around a circular road. Since very few passengers go to Narita by private car, ground transportation was not a priority in the airport's layout.

Shuttle bus schedule (http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/access/terminal/contents.html)

I suppose a brisk 10-15 minute walk would do, but don't recall any 'official' pedestrian path or walkway.

Trains do stop at both terminals, but passengers are prevented from using at least the NEX between terminals. The trains' frequency is worse than the shuttle bus' anyway.



[This message has been edited by monahos (edited 07-20-2003).]

Why not do a 24 hour stay if you're changing planes, and see just a bit of the city? Sounds like you're trying to at least be able to say you've been there--might as well enjoy it!

And, welcome back! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

JP

Disgruntled, any reason why you want to exit? I mean it's Narita, not Tokyo! If you're trying to get into the UA Club or something, they'll let you transfer between terminals no problems, when you arrive re-clear security, and then go downstairs and catch the bus which connects to the other terminal. No need to exit, the older terminal has Yahoo internet for free if you're bored and there are day rooms (if you want a shower etc if u dont have lounge access).

Would agree with the other post, try and stay longer, u can catch the NEX to Tokyo proper and stay overnight then train it back or catch a bus. Some very cheap computer shopping in Akihabara - amongst the best in the world - try the back streets (much cheaper and ex-demo/slightly used things there v.v. cheap). Try also to catch the JR to Asakusa (some great souveniours there and a very very cheap food place just near the exit - 100 JPY for 6 dumplings, in Tokyo and 250 JPY for fried rice and soup!!).

It's only 10,000 HH points I think at the Hilton Narita as well if you don't minding staying near the airport for an early departure the next day, or you can try biddingfortravel.com for a hotel in Tokyo at a reasonable price...

[This message has been edited by kawoh (edited 07-21-2003).]

The 3 hour and 20 minute connect allows one enough time to clear immigration, convert currency and search out the left luggage room and go back into the secure area. We did it on 7/17/03. Getting back out is easy once you find the NW Check in counter and walk by people checking in. Just walk thru and go to immigration. Be sure to show your BP. We also did it yesterday for 6 1/2 hour connection and found enough time to get into Narita City.

If you are looking for a quick sample of Japan, Narita itself isn't bad. The shrine at Narita (Narita Jinja) is one of the 3 most important in the Tokyo area and is worth a visit. You get off at the train station, walk down the street past charming stores (pop in into an eel-unagi rice shop and ask to see the eels squirming around in large vats!) right up to the shrine at the end of the road.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kawoh:
Disgruntled, any reason why you want to exit? I mean it's Narita, not Tokyo! </font>

I had a 2 hour connection earlier this month on NWA. The key to executing your plan successfully is to exit the plane as soon as possible and to have your landing card filled out completely in advance. This way you should be through passport and immigration in just a couple of minutes. Once outside you can get some cash from the Citibank ATM and go shopping and eating in the shopping mall. Once back on the airside I'd recommend the showers at NRT. Only a dollar or two and makes you feel refreshed after a long flight.

I got info from a reliable source that the Mcdonalds is located landside so your bid to get some more stamps in your passport may also net you a mcrib or 2 if they are still available.

That is plenty of time if you plan ahead and are an experienced traveler. And it is well worth the train ride into Narita City and a walk to the shrine.

The earlier poster is right.. You'd have around 20 minutes to walk around the sidewalks of Narita, but there's very little to see in such a short time. It's not Tokyo.

I've cleared immigation in Tokyo many times between plane changes. I did this back when i had to clear cargo when I flew as an air courier to Singapore or Bangkok. There should be time. immigration was quick. At least you can walk outside and breathe fresh narita air! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Any fees associated with clearing immigration?

No fees, just fill out the landing card.